Did you know you can send a quick text response to callers before declining their call? This feature has been around for bit now and usually comes standard in Android devices running Android 4.0+, but if you’re new to Android and wondering what I’m talking about, then read on.

In Android 4.0+, when your fielding an incoming call, you now have three options versus the original two. You can do the traditional swipe right to answer, swipe left to send to voice mail, or the new swipe upwards towards a messaging icon to send a pre-loaded or custom message to the person calling.

Of course the person calling must have a way to receive text-messages, but as long as they do, you can do the polite thing and inform them you’re busy at the moment but will get back to them as soon as possible.

After you swipe up towards the message icon, you’ll be prompted to choose any of the following pre-loaded messages:

• Can’t talk now. What’s up?
• I’ll call you right back
• I’ll call you later
• Can’t talk now. Call me later?
• Or your own custom message

After you choose what message to send, the caller will receive it within seconds and then be sent straight to your voice mail where they can leave you a message if they wish. That’s it!

Now, should you want to edit these quick responses, you’ll need to go into Call settings > Quick responses to do so. You can get there by hitting the Menu button (3 vertical dots) from within the Phone app.

Again, not a new feature, but one you might not of been aware of. Be sure to check back often for more tips and tricks on how to use your Android device. Cheers!